Elizabeth Cardozo Barker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Cardozo Barker
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| Born | 1900 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Died | (aged 80) |
Elizabeth Cardozo Barker (1900–1981) was an amazing businesswoman and a leader in the beauty industry. She founded a very successful hair salon called Cardozo Sisters Hairstylists in Washington, D.C.. She also became the president of the D.C. Cosmetology Board, helping to make important changes in her field.
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Early Life and Business
Elizabeth Cardozo Barker was born in Washington, D.C. She lived there for most of her life. She was interviewed for a special project called the Black Women Oral History Project. Her two sisters, Margaret Cardozo Holmes and Catherine Cardozo Lewis, were also part of this project.
Starting the Salon
In 1928, Elizabeth started her own hair salon. It was first located in her upstairs apartment. Later, her sisters joined her in the business. They called their salon Cardozo Sisters Hairstylists.
Before starting the salon, Elizabeth worked as a typist. She also managed a branch of Liberty Life Insurance Company.
Growing the Business
The salon grew very quickly. It expanded from her apartment to five different storefront locations. Elizabeth and her sister Margaret were always looking for new ideas. They would attend trade shows to learn new techniques. They also looked for new products for their business.
At that time, Jim Crow laws made it hard for Black people to enter many places. These laws enforced racial segregation. However, Elizabeth and Margaret sometimes "passed for white" to get into these shows. This allowed them to learn and improve their business. After 50 years, the sisters sold their successful business in 1978.
Fighting for Fairness
Elizabeth Cardozo Barker was a strong advocate for fairness. She worked to end unfair practices in the beauty industry.
A Leader in Cosmetology
In 1963, Elizabeth was appointed to the D.C. Cosmetology Board. This board helps to regulate the beauty industry. She became the president of the board in 1967. She also served on the board of directors for the Small Business Development Center.
Through her business success and her roles on these boards, she fought for desegregation. She wanted to end discriminatory practices in the beauty field. She believed everyone should have equal opportunities.
Later Life
Elizabeth Cardozo Barker retired in 1970. She moved to Osterville, Massachusetts. Her second husband, Beltran Barker, passed away in 1979. Elizabeth died in 1981 at Cape Cod Community Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
